by Liz Cohen, News Correspondent
Kenneth I. Chenault, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of American Express Company, will deliver the 108th commencement speech to the graduating class of 2010 May 7.
“Ken Chenault is an outstanding and admired innovator and business leader of global prominence,” said Renata Nyul, Northeastern director of communications and public relations.
He was ranked 83rd on Forbes Magazine’s CEO Compensation list in 2009 and has been linked with making American Express into the world’s top financial services firm and travel company.
As a graduate of Bowdoin College and Harvard Law School, he has risen through the ranks of American Express since 1981. He became the CEO and chairman of American Express in 2001, and serves on the boards of numerous corporate and nonprofit organizations, such as the National Academy Foundation.
“His track record of innovation and leadership exemplifies many of Northeastern’s strongest qualities. Our graduates will benefit from his experience and wisdom,” said university president Joseph E. Aoun.
“As a graduating senior, getting advice from the CEO of one of America’s largest and most successful corporations, will be really inspiring and encouraging in these tough economic times,” said Erin Oliveri, senior journalism major.
The Northeastern board of trustees chose Chenault to speak at this year’s commencement.
“Several names were suggested and considered by the senior leadership team. Ultimately, the board of trustees make the decision on whom to award honorary degrees to and name commencement speaker,” said Nyul.
Jennifer Tarnacki, senior and neuroscience major, said she thinks it would have been useful to have someone who recently just graduated to speak at commencement because they can give more accurate, current advice.
“I think for business majors it could be interesting. … Personally, I don’t think it is interesting for science majors, but I don’t think it is possible to get someone that everybody is going to like,” said Tarnacki.
John Henderson, senior and biology major, said “I’m sure he has a lot of good things to say, but I’m not sure if he is well known enough for people to understand what he is getting at.”
Chenault is also scheduled to give a commencement speech at Wake Forest University in May.
Northeastern’s undergraduate commencement ceremony will be held at TD Garden Friday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m. Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation, and Victoria Reggie Kennedy, lawyer and political advocate, will each receive honorary degrees during the morning ceremony.
The afternoon ceremony for advanced degree recipients will take place at Northeastern’s Matthews Arena Friday, May 7 at 3:30 p.m.
The School of Law commencement will take place at Northeastern’s Matthews Arena Friday, May 28 at 1 p.m.
